Pokemon: The Chosen Ranger

Six days had passed since the Forest Guardian Assistant's warning. That meant the Time Distortion would happen today.

Sunset Forest had been peaceful all week, with nothing major occurring. Spike Town's crowd had thinned, but the overall liveliness had noticeably increased. More and more people were choosing to return home and contribute to their hometown's growth.

Marnie had resumed her Gym Challenge after Piers had fully recovered. Before leaving, she visited Sunset Forest to say goodbye to Summer. Her next stop was Battle Town, but before that, she planned to seek new power—G-Max Mushrooms. Her Grimmsnarl had the potential for Gigantamax, and she wanted to unlock that form.

She also set a personal goal—helping her Bisharp evolve.

Bisharp's evolution method was unusual. It had to defeat other Bisharp that led groups of Pawniard. Coincidentally, Marnie's Bisharp held a grudge against its former leader, making this the perfect opportunity for a personal victory.

Upon hearing that Summer had obtained a powerful Pokémon egg, Marnie quietly made up her mind—her final team member would be the same species.

Meanwhile, the Pokémon egg from the Ranger Exam had yet to hatch. Given that it was a pseudo-legendary, this wasn't surprising. These eggs took much longer to incubate compared to Bug- or Grass-type Pokémon eggs, which would have hatched by now.

For the past few days, Ogerpon had been glued to the egg, refusing to leave its side even for a moment. Normally energetic and playful, she was now unusually calm and focused—a clear sign of just how much she was looking forward to this new life.

Inside the wooden cabin, Summer made his final preparations for the Time Distortion.

He had chosen to bring Rillaboom, Ogerpon, Corviknight, and Milotic for this trip. Corviknight and Milotic were already in their Poké Balls, and his giant survival backpack was fully stocked. If anything like last time happened, he would be ready this time.

[Time Distortion will begin in one minute. Please prepare.]

"Alright, Ogerpon, put the egg down for now," Summer said, gently patting her head. "We'll be back soon—it won't be long at all."

"Bo…"

Reluctantly, Ogerpon placed the incubator on the table. Between staying with the egg and traveling with Summer, she ultimately chose the latter.

"Let's wait outside. One more minute to go."

Summer and his two Pokémon stepped out of the cabin. As the light engulfed them, his surroundings began to shift.

"Again?!"

The moment he landed, Summer was hit by a bone-chilling cold.

Fortunately, this time he wasn't in the middle of a blizzard.

Opening his eyes, he found himself standing in the middle of an expansive, snow-covered tundra. The ground stretched endlessly in all directions, its pure white surface glistening under the sunlight.

Looking around, he saw that the vast field was surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains. The entire landscape suggested that this tundra was actually a massive basin.

In the distance, gigantic ice pillars stood at the heart of the tundra, their sheer size making Summer wonder—what kind of extreme conditions could have formed such a spectacular sight?

"Well, at least I packed warm clothes this time," Summer muttered, shaking off the cold as he pulled on his thick winter gear. The insulated layers instantly made him feel much better.

Of course, Rillaboom and Ogerpon needed protection too.

Ogerpon swapped her mask for the Hearthflame Mask, instantly raising her body temperature. Meanwhile, Rillaboom brushed some snow off his fur and stood firm.

Still, something about this place felt strangely familiar.

"…I think I have an idea where we are," Summer murmured. He pulled out a Poké Ball. "Let's confirm it."

With a flash of light, Corviknight emerged, shaking off the frost.

It took one look at the endless white tundra and let out an awed caw—this was a sight it had never seen before.

"You good, Corviknight? If it's too cold, I have earmuffs and a scarf."

"Gah? Gah!"

Corviknight puffed up its chest, closing its eyes in pride. Summer, don't forget—I'm a Steel-type Pokémon. Cold? Cold should be afraid of me!

"Got it." Summer smirked. "Alright, take us for a flight over this tundra. Seeing the Pokémon here will confirm my theory."

Recalling Rillaboom and Ogerpon, Summer climbed onto Corviknight's back.

The steel bird spread its massive wings and soared into the sky, giving Summer a clear view of the snowy expanse below.

The tundra was silent.

Brutal, yet not lifeless.

Even in this harsh climate, life endured—just as it had in the Frostwood Forest back home.

Below, Mamoswine lumbered through the snow, their thick fur shielding them from the cold. Suddenly, a pack of Sneasel erupted from the ground and behind rocky outcroppings, launching a coordinated ambush with their venomous claws.

Nearby, a group of Snorunt scattered in panic, one accidentally colliding into a Bergmite, sending it spinning across the ice before crashing into a rock. The Bergmite barely reacted—it was too sturdy to care.

Further ahead, a cluster of yellow Elekid stood out against the white terrain. Unlike most Pokémon, they thrived in cold environments—the frigid air intensified their electricity, keeping them fully charged.

Meanwhile, in a different part of the tundra, a band of Machop were training, throwing punches into the air. Among them, a Riolu practiced alongside them, seemingly accepted as one of their own.

Of course, the tundra also housed giants.

A massive Mamoswine stomped across the snow, its awakened Ancient Power shaking the earth with every step. Nearby, an Avalugg rampaged through the ice fields, its once-timid Snorunt past forgotten—now, it crushed anything in its way.

Even more striking was a Gardevoir, draped in an elegant white gown, resting in the snow. The extreme cold had honed its psychic abilities, making it far more dangerous than its delicate appearance suggested.

Then, there was Hisui Avalugg.

Unlike its modern counterpart, its body wasn't made of ice, but solid rock.

Everything confirmed it.

"Just as I thought…" Summer muttered.

"This is Hisui."

And this tundra—Pure White Tundra.

No wonder it felt familiar.

"…But I can't tell when this is." His gaze turned northward.

The Pearl Clan was supposed to reside by the northern rivers.

If they existed here, then that meant…

He might get to see Adaman and Arezu again.

The thought excited him.

But before he could dwell on it further—

A ferocious dragon's roar echoed across the tundra.

Summer's eyes snapped toward the source.

A raging Garchomp stood atop a mountain pass, roaring in fury.

Below it, a young girl in white and purple robes had collapsed, paralyzed with fear.

"A person? And a Garchomp?!" Summer tensed.

"Looks like we've got trouble, Corviknight!"

"GAAAH!!"

Leave it to me!

Corviknight dove forward, wings cutting through the cold air.

No one was allowed to be more arrogant than him.

(End of Chapter)